Sunday, June 5, 2011

This Week's Nostalgia (6/6-6/12)

Last week was a bit of a slow one for us, and while there's a few pretty huge ones this week, the summer concert season will really pick up the week after that. But here's what's in store for us this week:

Paul Simon @ Webster Hall - Monday, June 6th

One of my earliest concert experiences was seeing Paul Simon for free in Central Park in 1991 with my family, so Simon will always hold a special place in my heart. It's pretty awesome that he decided to do a "club" tour of sorts, playing much smaller venues than he generally would, so this show at Webster Hall should be pretty special. Even if it's absolutely impossible to get into. Tickets for the show is will call only, so don't get suckered into buying a pair of tickets on eBay or even craigslist unless the person plans on meeting you at the venue and walking you in. So basically, to the 1,200 people who got tickets, have fun!

Playing albums in full is the latest trend for long-running and reunited bands, and something I have mixed feelings about. On one hand, you know exactly what you're going to get, and if they're playing one of your favorite albums then it's sure to be fun. On the other hand, you know exactly what you're going to get, and aside from an encore of hits, there is really no element of surprise. For fans of the long-running sludge metal band the Melvins, it probably doesn't matter either way, these shows are sure to be pretty crazy. Tickets for both shows are sold out, but as with most MHOW shows they should have tickets at the door, so get there early and hope for the best.

Peter Murphy @ J&R Music World - Tuesday, June 7th

Though Bauhaus did reunite back in 2005, they also had a pretty bad breakup again in 2009, so your only chance to see Peter Murphy live will probably be on his solo tours. The former frontman of the iconic goth-rock band will be doing an in-store performance in support of his upcoming solo album Ninth, which will be released the same day. Murphy will also be signing autographs, and the first 150 people in the store will receive a free poster. Sounds awesome. Get there early... you know how much those Wall Street types love goth music.

The Toasters @ Rocks Off Cruise - Sunday, June 12th

The Toasters are easily one of the longest running, and most important ska bands of the New York City scene. Having been around in one form or another since 1981 (pretty sure Rob "Bucket" Hingley is the only original member), they have pretty wrote the book on the third wave of ska, so it's pretty great to see they are still playing shows thirty years later. I saw Built to Spill do one of these cruise shows, and they're extremely intimate and fun to see--so if you're a fan of the Toasters, do your best to make it to this. Also note, there are no refunds if you miss the boat, and it's cash bar only. Very important if you wanna drink during this (which you will). Tickets are still on sale. Skank it up!

Be sure to check out this week's Magic Sundae Radio podcast. That's it for this week. If there are any other shows coming up this week you feel particularly nostalgic about, let us know in the comments below...